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Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007

Date: Jan. 10, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Unemployed and Low-Income


FAIR MINIMUM WAGE ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - January 10, 2007)

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Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 2, the Minimum Wage Increase Without Assistance for Small Business.

In Southern Nevada, we are fortunate to experience an extraordinary situation in regard to wage earnings and job growth. Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, our economy has undergone a massive rebound with unemployment far below the national average and wages far exceeding the current federal minimum wage. The primary engine of this economic growth has been our small business community.

As a representative of a state who mandates a dollar above the federal minimum wage, the small business community in Nevada will feel the effects of this increase stronger than most states. The Republican alternative to H.R. 2 would provide the incentives our small businesses need to absorb the economic impact of a federally mandated increase in wages. Small businesses in my district, like Metro Pizza, operate on the smallest of profit margins. Sam Facchini, who has co-owned the business since 1987, had this to say about an additional increase to the minimum wage; ``Our business is still adjusting to the most recent minimum wage increase. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We cannot continue to face unprecedented labor costs and be expected to prosper.'

To meet an increased federal wage standard small businesses need the kinds of incentives for growth that the Republican alternative to H.R. 2 provides. I would like to remind my colleagues that we can only create new jobs through growth in the private sector. To limit this growth for the sake of a sound bite is tempting, but will have a devastating impact on an economy.

Certainly, our workers deserve the fairest compensation for their valuable labor. In Nevada, the State Constitution mandates that our minimum wage is one dollar above the federally prescribed level. Increases, however, must be carefully balanced with the ability of the business community to pay these increased wages. For these reasons, my voting record has remained clear, on July 29, 2006 I voted in favor of a similar bill that included a minimum wage increase as well as growth incentives for small businesses.

While the vast majority of American workers deserve higher wages, we must ensure that no jobs are lost as a result. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2, the Minimum Wage Increase Without Assistance for Small Business.

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